This book was very different in the best way possible! I loved the story and how it really brought out Celtic history and made for a very interesting journey. It was an amazing read and a real page turner that I could not put down! This story was a unique fantasy plot I have not seen in other fantasy books before. It is a very unique story and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Noor Jivrajhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNoor Jivraj2023-01-18 10:23:322023-01-27 07:36:41Talisman (The Talisman Series Book 1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Noor Jivraj
Talisman is the first book in The Talisman series by Tam DeRudder Jackson. This is the first book that I have read of Ms. DeRudder Jackson’s, so I was intrigued to see what I would find between her covers as I love anything paranormal– so this book had my attention before I’d even opened the cover. It starts off really well, so I was anticipating a fantastic story. But unfortunately, while the promise is there, it just doesn’t reach its full potential (for me). I couldn’t connect with the characters, or their story and I wasn’t invested in them at all- so that frustrated me no end. I felt the characters needed more development, with attention to their connection, chemistry, and personalities. With paranormal elements, romance, adventure, danger, intrigue, prophecy, magic, the talisman, Celtic mythology, warriors, good vs evil, history, and so much more— this story should have been a captivating read. But even though there are warriors and battles, adventure and more- the story lacks on the action and adventure side. I felt the author missed the opportunity to take this story to the next level by not creating more dramatic moments, developing more action in keeping with the whole warrior/good vs evil aspect of the storyline, as well as not amping up the tension enough – because if she had, that would have made this an incredibly addictive read, and set the whole series off to a stellar start. Also, there was a lot of info dumps, added details, and threads that didn’t lead anywhere or add to the overall story. So that was distracting, and quite frustrating. There is such a lot of dialogue too, so much so that I felt the story got ‘bogged down’ by it all. Like I said, the potential is there, so I am hoping that the issues with this book will be resolved in the next instalment/s. Happy reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-01-17 23:22:392023-01-18 09:42:45Talisman (The Talisman #1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Angela Hayes
I had not read any of the author’s previous books before this one, something I will be remedying immediately; as this was a fantastic start to what will be an explosive series. The author did an amazing job with the character development of Rowan and Alyssa and how their bond and connection grows. You feel the hesitancy of Alyssa to just take at face value what she is being told and Rowan’s urgency to help her feel safe, but also needing her to understand what he is telling her. The author’s background and understanding of Celtic mythology in the modern world gave me Percy Jackson vibes, but with a much more adult twist. Being from Montana, I do also enjoy a solid story that takes place here as well. If you are looking for an amazing Celtic mythology story that that been modernized, full of steamy romance, and vivid action and adventure, this will be a series for you!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Haller-Dorishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Haller-Doris2023-01-17 21:14:212023-01-18 09:42:02Talisman (The Talisman Series Book 1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris
OMG!!!! This book had me on pins and needles the entire time. I am normally not one for romance but the chemistry from Rowan and Alyssa was just OMG!!!! I am in love with these characters and I can’t wait to read Book Two, Warrior. I have never wanted to learn more about the background of characters then I do with this book. There is a war and its raging inside everyone, Do Alyssa and Rowan win? You need to read it to find out. I promise you, you will not regret reading this book. I know I don’t regret it at all.
OMG!!!! This book had me on pins and needles the entire time. I am normally not one for romance but the chemistry from Rowan and Alyssa was just OMG!!!! I am in love with these characters and I can’t wait to read Book Two, Warrior. I have never wanted to learn more about the background of characters then I do with this book. There is a war and its raging inside everyone, Do Alyssa and Rowan win? You need to read it to find out. I promise you, you will not regret reading this book. I know I don’t regret it at all.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kirsten Berkebilehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKirsten Berkebile2023-01-17 18:56:552023-01-18 09:41:01Talisman (The Talisman Series Book 1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Kirsten Berkebile
I liked the idea of this story more than the story itself.
The story started out alright, but once the two main characters meet up the second time, it felt like they barely even had a connection on Alyssa’s end of things and they were already jumping in bed. It also felt like Rowan was pressuring Alyssa. An example without being spoilery – Rowan goes to get some extra clothes. Alyssa comments on him looking like he’s moving into her house and he blows it off. Then, he moves his clothes into her dresser and closet without telling her. But he’s expecting her to trust him, even though he’s pulling shady stuff. I didn’t like that vibe at all.
I did enjoy the mythological aspects of the story and the attention to detail.
All-in-all, it wasn’t the read I was hoping for, but it was entertaining.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Naomi McDonaldhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNaomi McDonald2023-01-17 14:25:042023-01-18 09:39:39Talisman (The Talisman Series Book 1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Naomi McDonald
3.5 stars Tam DeRudder Jackson is a Paranormal Fantasy romance writer and a new author to me, so I was excited to get started. Talisman is the first book in the Talisman series and there is a lot going on. There is Celtic mythology, druids, gods and goddesses, supernatural abilities, magic, a curse, revenge, and good vs evil. It is written in multiple POV which makes the story that much broader. It is a unique modern day paranormal tale set in Montana. The story and colourful characters are interesting and the premise is good but the even flow of the story was missing. The story starts out well but there is a lot of over details throughout the whole book which kind of made me skim over a lot it. The ending was interesting but there are a few things that didn’t mesh throughout. I also wish there was more action. Alyssa is a shy woman and has no idea about what is out in the world and who they really are but one night changes all that. She really was a little naïve and had a lot of catching up to do and not be so accepting of things. Rowan is a warrior and doesn’t have much time left to find his Talisman. However, she has no idea about his world or the supernatural in general. Unfortunately time is against them. Will all be lost? Rowan was a little frustrating at times and I just wanted him to calm down a bit. As this is the first book in the series I am going to continue to read more books and hope that this is just first book teething issues.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2023-01-17 14:09:062023-01-18 09:39:26Talisman (The Talisman Series Book 1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Jenni Bishop
Talisman is the exciting first book in the Talisman series of Celtic Urban Fantasy Romance. It utilises the soulmate trope – every warrior has to find his talisman between the age of 21 and 28 or face dire consequences. Rowan, the warrior in this book, is 3 months from his 28th birthday so the pressure is on. This is a captivating story, with plenty of world-building drawing on Celtic history, culture and mythology. There’s lots of action, as Rowan and Alyssa face supernatural forces determined to keep them apart. There’s also plenty of research scenes as Alyssa works on her masters thesis and tries to learn more about her family history! This is the perfect read for when you’re staying warm with a snow storm outside, would definitely recommend it! Although don’t feel like you have to wait for snow to enjoy it. Talisman gets five stars from me and if you enjoy urban and Celtic fantasy I’m sure you’ll love it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2023-01-17 09:24:122023-01-18 09:37:54Talisman (The Talisman Series Book 1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
An entertaining romance built around a Celtic myth! I fell in love with this tale of Rowan and Alyssa. He must break a curse and needs her. Oh, the adventures that include all the figures you would expect: the druids, fairies, bairds, etc. This story is so well-written and planned out. I was glued to it from the beginning. I am a big fan of anything that feels like time-travel. Romance makes it even better. I could feel the chemistry between these two. All the characters were done well and just all tied in to the story in such a way to entertain. My husband kept wanting to know what I was reading because I kept smiling as I read. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series as this is book !.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-01-17 06:06:272023-01-17 08:46:37Talisman (The Talisman Series Book 1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Shelly Kittell
Rowan Sheridan is a warrior, a powerful being capable of bending time and space to take on the rogues and zombies the triple goddess unleashes on civilians. For centuries, his family has taken on the Morrigan, their successes against her legendary. But if he doesn’t find his talisman by midnight of his twenty-eighth birthday, he faces death—or something worse.
To convince her she belongs to him…
Wallflower Alyssa Macaulay has no clue a community of supernatural Celtic warriors lives alongside her. Nor does she know she’s a talisman, a member of that community. Orphaned at age four, she was raised by her grandmother, a druid of uncommon skill who deliberately kept Alyssa ignorant of her true self. A chance meeting in a bar on a cold winter’s night upends the bookish grad student’s life when Rowan introduces her to their world.
Their love can end a centuries-old curse.
Trying his sign on Alyssa and discovering she’s his talisman, his fated mate, should be cause for their celebration. Too bad Alyssa thinks Rowan’s only looking for a good time and she has no idea who and what they are. The goddess’s imminent arrival doesn’t give Rowan time to show her either. Somehow, he needs to compress the lifetime of training she should have had into a week—and convince her the one amazing night they shared is only the beginning of a lifetime of love. If they can live long enough…
Like the tagline of her first novel, Tam DeRudder Jackson’s personal motto is “love is worth the risk.” Readers and reviewers have praised her stories for her swoon-worthy characters, movie-quality world building, and strong writing. Though she’s a voracious reader of all genres of romance, her favorite genres to write are paranormal and contemporary. When she’s not writing or reading, she’s probably traveling or skiing or dancing at a rock concert.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/TALISMAN_EBOOK-copy.jpg1200779itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-01-17 00:01:342023-01-30 22:24:04Talisman (The Talisman Series Book 1) by Tam DeRudder Jackson
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